2025 Toyota Landcruiser Prado 250 Series Review

The Toyota LandCruiser Prado has always been a favourite among Australians, a dependable workhorse for families and off-road enthusiasts alike.

But with the arrival of the heavily updated 250 Series, Toyota has made some bold moves—ones that might leave fans questioning if the price increase and new features justify the change.

While the previous 150 Series was starting to show its age, the 250 Series promised a fresh lease on life, introducing modern technology, a new platform shared with the larger LandCruiser 300, and a distinctive FJ Cruiser-inspired design.

However, after spending time behind the wheel, we found ourselves questioning some of the decisions Toyota made. Why does a $10,000 price hike across most grades feel so hard to justify? And why does the boot space seem so compromised for what should be a family-focused SUV?

There’s no denying that the 2025 Prado has its strengths—its new safety suite and rugged design stand out—but the compromises in practicality, interior refinement, and driving dynamics have left us puzzled.

If you’re considering the latest iteration of this Australian icon, let’s dive into whether it’s worth your hard-earned dollars or if competitors like the Ford Everest and GWM Tank 500 offer better value for money.

How much does the Toyota Landcruiser Prado cost?

‍Toyota has officially announced the pricing for the 2025 LandCruiser Prado 250 Series, and it’s clear that this heavily updated model comes at a premium. Starting from $72,500 before on-road costs for the base GX, prices across the range have increased significantly compared to the outgoing 150 Series.

The Prado GXL, expected to be the most popular variant, is now priced at $79,990 before on-roads, representing a $10,460 increase. Stepping up to the VX variant will cost you $87,400 before on-road costs, an increase of $10,552. Finally, the flagship Kakadu comes in just shy of six figures, starting at $99,990 before on-roads—a $12,522 jump.

While the Prado's pricing firmly positions it as a premium offering, this increase also places it uncomfortably close to the larger LandCruiser 300 Series, making the Prado’s value proposition harder to justify for those considering Toyota's lineup. Competitors like the Ford Everest and GWM Tank 500 offer compelling alternatives with similar off-road credentials but at more aggressive price points.

2025 Toyota Landcruiser Prado Pricing:

• GX - $72,500
• GXL - $79,990
• VX - $87,400
• Kakadu - $99,990

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs.

What’s the exterior like of the Toyota Landcruiser Prado?

‍The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado absolutely nails its retro-inspired design, taking cues from the beloved FJ Cruiser with its boxy proportions and rugged aesthetic. This thing looks tough, no doubt about it. It’s big too, measuring 4990mm in length, 1980mm in width, and standing up to 1935mm tall depending on the trim. 

The 2850mm wheelbase is shared with the larger LandCruiser 300 Series, giving it a stable stance but also making it feel just as bulky on the road.

Up front, the grille is a proper highlight. It’s got the classic "Toyota" lettering stamped across the top, giving off serious old-school vibes, and the LED headlights with sharp daytime running lights make it look modern. 

The bash plate underneath is a nice touch for off-roaders, but it’s so thin it feels more like a decoration than something that’ll hold up in serious conditions. That said, the double power bulges on the bonnet are a proper standout—this thing looks downright intimidating when it’s coming at you.

The side profile keeps things simple but purposeful. Those 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres strike a good balance between style and capability. The squared-off mirrors look tough, and the integrated 360-degree camera is practical for tight spots, but the plastic side steps? They feel cheap and out of place on a car that costs this much. At least you’ve got proper metal roof rails, so points there.

Now let’s talk about the rear. It’s classic Prado with the split tailgate, making access to the boot super convenient—especially if you’re just chucking a bag in. The LED tail lights look fantastic, and the "LandCruiser" badge stamped across the back screams heritage. 

But then there’s that raised boot floor, thanks to the hybrid system. It’s a compromise that feels like a step backward, especially for a car that’s meant to be practical.

Overall, the Prado’s exterior gets a lot right. It looks rugged, it feels purpose-built, and it turns heads for all the right reasons. But there are a few quirks—like that bash plate and the plasticky side steps—that don’t quite match up to its price or reputation. Still, if looks could kill, the 250 Series Prado is armed and dangerous.

What’s the interior like of the Toyota Landcruiser Prado?‍

Stepping inside the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado, it’s immediately clear that Toyota aimed for a more modern and functional design. The first row feels well laid out, with a prominent 12.3-inch infotainment display taking centre stage from the base grade upwards. 

It’s responsive, easy to navigate, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—a must-have these days. However, the small 7-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver is a bit of a letdown, especially for a car in this price range.

The synthetic leather seats, standard from the GXL, feel durable and surprisingly comfortable, even if lumbar support is missing in this grade. The driver’s seat offers eight-way power adjustments, while the passenger gets a manual setup at this trim level. 

There’s a lot of soft-touch material where it counts, like the centre console armrest and door sills, but scratchy plastics in the lower sections remind you this isn’t quite luxury territory.

Storage is well-thought-out, with a sizeable centre console that includes a wireless charging pad, deep storage bins, and multiple USB-C ports for your devices. 

Toyota has kept the physical climate controls intact, which is a huge plus. These chunky knobs and buttons are easy to use and far less distracting than digging through a touchscreen menu to change the temperature.

One small gripe is the overall fit and finish. While it’s a step up from the previous Prado, some areas—like the plastic trim around the lower dash—feel a bit out of place for an SUV commanding this much cash. 

That said, it’s a practical, comfortable, and functional first-row experience, blending Toyota’s rugged roots with modern tech, even if it doesn’t quite feel premium enough for the price.

What about back seats?

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado’s rear seating areas strike a good balance between comfort and practicality, with some notable limitations. Starting with the second row, there’s plenty of legroom and headroom, thanks to the Prado’s upright and boxy design. Stadium-style seating ensures passengers get a clear view ahead, which is especially useful for keeping younger passengers entertained on long drives. 

The synthetic leather upholstery from the front carries through to the rear, offering a durable and easy-to-clean surface. While the seats are comfortable enough for most, the high floor—a result of the TNGA-F platform—can make the seating position a bit awkward for taller passengers, with knees angled higher than ideal.

Rear passengers are treated to their own air-conditioning vents, ceiling-mounted for better airflow, along with USB-C charging ports for added convenience. A fold-down centre armrest with integrated cupholders adds a touch of practicality. However, the lack of sliding functionality in the second row might feel limiting, particularly for families looking to optimise space between rows.

Accessing the third row is straightforward, thanks to a simple folding mechanism in the second row. Surprisingly, the third-row seats are reasonably accommodating for adults, with adequate headroom and legroom. 

The boxy shape of the Prado ensures even taller passengers won’t feel completely cramped. Each side gets USB-C charging ports, cupholders, and small storage cubbies, making the space surprisingly usable for short trips or occasional use.

However, the third-row seats don’t slide or recline, and the raised floor means foot space is limited, especially for those wearing bulkier shoes or boots. That said, the upright seating position is less of a problem here, thanks to the generous roof height. 

While the third row is better suited for kids or smaller adults, it remains a viable option for larger groups or families needing a seven-seat configuration.

What’s boot space like in the Toyota Landcruiser Prado?

The boot space in the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is, frankly, one of its most disappointing aspects. With the move to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, Toyota has raised the boot floor to accommodate the hybrid battery, and the result is far from practical.

In seven-seat models, you’re left with just 182 litres of space behind the third row—barely enough for a couple of school bags or a few shopping bags. It’s shocking to see so little room in what is supposed to be a family SUV.

Folding down the third row improves things, offering 906 litres of space, which is decent but still feels compromised because of the raised floor. If you drop both the second and third rows, the capacity expands to 1829 litres, but even then, the vertical height is limited, making it hard to fit bulkier items.

For five-seat variants, the numbers are slightly better, with 954 litres behind the second row and up to 1895 litres with all seats folded.

The split tailgate—a signature Prado feature—remains, and while it’s handy for quick access, the flimsy feel of the internal storage box and the lack of a powered tailgate on lower trims are real letdowns. The raised floor not only eats into storage but also makes loading heavier items more cumbersome.

It’s hard to ignore the fact that this design feels like a massive step backward in practicality.

If you’re buying a Prado to carry a family and all their gear, the boot space may leave you scratching your head. It’s a far cry from what you’d expect in a vehicle at this price point, and one of the most glaring compromises in the new 250 Series.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 Toyota Landcruiser Prado?

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre D4D turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, delivering 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It’s paired with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which adds 8.4kW and 65Nm of torque for smoother starts and improved efficiency.

A new 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous 6-speed, while the Prado retains its full-time 4WD system with a 40:60 front-to-rear torque split and a locking centre differential. 

A 110-litre fuel tank—split into an 80-litre main and 30-litre sub-tank—ensures excellent range for long-distance travel. Features like a rear locking differential and advanced off-road modes are reserved for higher trims.

The Prado requires AdBlue, with a 17.4L tank (approximately every 8,500km needs a fill-up)

Fuel economy is claimed at 7.6L/100km. Actual fuel economy during our testing was close to 10.1L/100km.

What’s towing and payload like for the Landcruiser Prado?

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado offers a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 6600kg across all trims, but its payload figures highlight some limitations, particularly when towing at maximum capacity. Here’s how the weights and payloads break down by grade:

• GX (5-seat): Kerb weight 2495kg, payload 605kg
• GXL (7-seat): Kerb weight 2535kg, payload 615kg
• VX (7-seat): Kerb weight 2570kg, payload 610kg
• Altitude (5-seat): Kerb weight 2520kg, payload 580kg
• Kakadu (7-seat): Kerb weight 2595kg, payload 605kg

When towing a 3500kg trailer, the available payload drops significantly. For example, the 350kg towball mass (10% of trailer weight) deducted from the GVM leaves higher trims, such as the Kakadu or VX, with as little as 230kg for passengers, cargo, and gear.

While the Prado’s towing figures are competitive, the reduced payload on heavier trims compromises practicality, making lower trims like the GX or GXL better suited for towing-heavy scenarios.

How does the Toyota Landcruiser Prado Drive?

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience, but it falls short of feeling engaging or dynamic. On the road, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, combined with the 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offers smooth low-end torque, making it suitable for stop-start traffic and relaxed cruising. 

The hybrid system adds 8.4kW and 65Nm, but in reality, its impact is subtle, providing just enough assist to smooth out starts and marginally improve efficiency. As you get up to highway speeds, however, the Prado’s weight becomes noticeable. Acceleration feels laboured, and overtaking requires careful planning—it’s functional but uninspiring.

The shift to a new 8-speed automatic transmission is a welcome improvement, replacing the older 6-speed unit. Gear changes are smoother and better timed, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently at cruising speeds. 

While this transmission helps the Prado feel more refined, it doesn’t transform the overall performance.

The drivetrain feels adequate but lacks any real sense of urgency or power, which can be disappointing in a vehicle at this price point.

Where the Prado truly excels is comfort. The suspension is tuned for a plush ride, effortlessly soaking up bumps, potholes, and imperfections in the road. It’s ideal for long highway trips or urban commutes, keeping the cabin isolated from most disturbances. 

However, this focus on softness comes with compromises. The Prado exhibits significant body roll when cornering, leaning heavily through bends and feeling less composed than rivals like the Ford Everest. It’s not a car you’d want to hustle through winding roads, as it feels cumbersome and detached.

The steering is another area where the Prado prioritises ease over precision. It’s light, which makes manoeuvring in tight spaces and urban environments simple, but it lacks feedback, leaving the driver feeling disconnected from the road.

While this isn’t uncommon in large SUVs, it’s particularly noticeable given the Prado’s size and weight.

Overall, the 2025 Prado is a vehicle that prioritises comfort and smoothness over agility and engagement. It’s at its best when driven at a relaxed pace, delivering a serene ride for long-distance cruising. 

However, for those looking for a more responsive or exciting drive, the Prado might feel like it’s missing the mark, especially when compared to competitors that manage to blend comfort with sharper on-road dynamics.

What’s the offroad ability like with the Toyota Landcruiser Prado?

‍The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado maintains the rugged DNA of its predecessors, but accessing its full off-road potential requires spending significantly more on higher-spec trims. On paper, the Prado delivers decent capability, with an approach angle of 31° in GX and GXL trims, improving to 32° in VX, Altitude, and Kakadu grades. 

The departure angle remains 17° across the board, while ground clearance varies from 210mm on GX and GXL models to 221mm on higher grades. Its 700mm wading depth is suitable for moderate water crossings, but these figures only scratch the surface of what it can do.

The disappointment lies in the distribution of off-road features. The VX trim introduces variable suspension, which includes Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system. This adds off-road drive modes tailored to conditions like mud, sand, or rock, helping optimise traction and stability. 

However, to unlock the full suite of off-road hardware, buyers need to step up to the Altitude or Kakadu grades, which include the Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) for improved wheel articulation and a rear locking differential for tackling tougher terrain.

This tiered approach feels restrictive, especially given the Prado’s price. Lower trims like the GX and GXL lack these critical features, making them less suitable for serious off-roading. While the locking centre differential and full-time 4WD system provide decent capability for moderate trails, the absence of the SDM and rear locker severely limits their ability to handle more challenging terrain. 

Even the 210mm ground clearance on lower grades feels underwhelming, particularly when compared to rivals like the Ford Everest and GWM Tank 500, which offer more off-road equipment at lower price points.

For buyers expecting a fully equipped off-road machine at entry-level prices, the Prado’s limitations are a clear letdown. The higher trims deliver excellent capability, but requiring a spend of up to $93,000 (before on-road costs) for features like the SDM and rear locking differential feels like a misstep for a vehicle bearing the LandCruiser name. 

While the Prado remains competent, its true off-road potential is locked behind a significant paywall, leaving budget-conscious adventurers looking elsewhere.

What do you get with the Toyota Landcruiser Prado?

GX Highlights

• Five-seat configuration
• 18-inch alloy wheels with Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres
• Front grille with "TOYOTA" heritage lettering
• LED headlights with static auto-levelling and LED daytime running lights
• Body-coloured, power-adjustable, and folding side mirrors
• Darkened front and rear bumpers, wheel arch mouldings, and side sills
• Manual tailgate with an opening glass window
• Fabric seat upholstery with all-weather rubber floor mats
• Six-way manual driver’s seat adjustment
• 7-inch Multi-Information Display
• 12.3-inch colour touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation, and DAB+ digital radio
• 10-speaker audio system
• Four USB-C ports and HDMI port
• Toyota Safety Sense with autonomous emergency braking, lane trace assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring
• Trailer Sway Control, Crawl Control, and Hill Descent Control

GXL Adds (over GX)

• Seven-seat configuration with 50:50 split-folding third row
• Bi-LED headlights with dynamic auto-levelling
• Roof rails and rear privacy glass
• Power tailgate
• Synthetic leather seat upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Leather-accented steering wheel and shift knob
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Tri-zone climate control with rear-seat vents
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Six USB-C charging ports

VX Adds (over GXL)

• 20-inch alloy wheels with dark metallic finish
• Adaptive Variable Suspension system
• Bi-LED headlights with adaptive high beams
• Body-coloured bumpers, wheel arch mouldings, and rear guard trim
• Leather-accented seats with power lumbar and memory function for driver’s seat
• Four-way power-adjustable passenger seat
• Power-adjustable steering column
• Carpet floor mats
• Refrigerated rear console box
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14-speaker JBL premium audio system
• Multi-Terrain Select and Multi-Terrain Monitor with under-floor view
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Altitude Adds (over VX)

• Five-seat configuration
• 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres
• Rear locking differential
• Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism (replacing Adaptive Variable Suspension)
• Black exterior accents (door handles, tailgate, and wheel arches)
• Tilt and slide sunroof
• Digital rear-view mirror and heated steering wheel
• Head-up display

Kakadu Adds (over VX)

• Panoramic moonroof
• Illuminated side steps
• Heated and ventilated second-row seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Driver’s seat with adjustable thigh support
• Digital rear-view mirror and head-up display
• Rear limited-slip differential

Is the Toyota Landcruiser Prado safe?

‍The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado has earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating, confirming its strong performance across key testing categories. The rating applies to all variants sold in Australia and New Zealand, with testing conducted on the GXL trim.

The Prado excelled in Adult Occupant Protection, scoring 85%, with Good protection observed for most critical body regions in frontal and side impact tests. However, Marginal protection was noted for the driver’s chest in frontal tests and for both the driver and rear passenger in full-width frontal crashes.

In Child Occupant Protection, the Prado achieved an impressive 89%, offering Good protection for child dummies in frontal offset and side impact scenarios. While ISOFIX and top tether anchorages are provided for second-row outboard seats, they are absent in the optional third row, and ANCAP advises against using child restraints in the third-row seats.

The Prado also performed well in Vulnerable Road User Protection, scoring 84%. Its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system demonstrated Good performance in avoiding or mitigating collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

For Safety Assist, the Prado scored 82%, thanks to Toyota Safety Sense features like AEB, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. While it delivered strong results in forward and junction AEB scenarios, deductions were made for moderate risks to occupants of oncoming vehicles in frontal offset crashes.

How much does it cost to run the Toyota Landcruiser Prado?‍

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado offers reasonable running costs for a large SUV, but it’s worth noting some specifics. Toyota provides a 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty as standard, with an extended 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the engine and driveline if you adhere to Toyota’s servicing schedule. 

Roadside assistance is available for $99 per year, providing extra peace of mind for long trips or remote adventures.

Servicing is required every 6 months or 10,000km, which is more frequent than some competitors that offer 12-month intervals. Toyota’s capped-price servicing program covers the first three years of maintenance, with a total cost of $2340 over this period. 

While the capped-price servicing is convenient, the shorter intervals may add up over time for high-mileage drivers.

Final thoughts on the Toyota Landcruiser Prado

‍The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado brings with it the promise of modernisation, rugged charm, and Toyota’s long-standing reputation for reliability. Its FJ Cruiser-inspired design, advanced safety features, and new tech like the mild-hybrid system are welcome updates for what was becoming a dated package in the outgoing 150 Series.

However, after spending time with the Prado, it’s hard not to feel that this iteration has come with compromises that undermine its status as a go-to family and off-road SUV.

The price increase across all trims is difficult to justify, especially when key off-road features are locked behind the most expensive models. The raised boot floor and diminished practicality from the hybrid system make it feel less family-friendly than its predecessor, and while the interior has taken strides forward with updated tech, it still doesn’t quite hit the premium mark many buyers at this price point might expect.

On the road, the Prado remains comfortable and capable, but it feels heavy and uninspiring to drive, lacking the polish and engagement of some of its competitors. Meanwhile, its off-road credentials—though solid on higher trims—feel artificially restricted on lower models, leaving the entry-level GX and GXL grades feeling less versatile than they should be for such an iconic nameplate.

Ultimately, the 2025 LandCruiser Prado remains a dependable choice for Toyota loyalists, but it no longer feels like the undisputed leader in its segment.

Competitors like the Ford Everest and GWM Tank 500 are now offering more features, sharper driving dynamics, and better value, giving buyers plenty of reasons to explore beyond Toyota’s showroom. While the Prado still has its strengths, this latest generation feels more like a cautious evolution than the bold reinvention it needed to be.